There is nothing more versatile and alluring than the classic smoky eye look in terms of makeup.
People sometimes think that smoky eyes belong to those with an edgy or alternative wardrobe style.
However, a smoky eye can be paired with any look- bohemian, vintage, or classic, if done correctly.
A smoky eye elevates any outfit for a night out.
It also creates a smouldering and sophisticated look and helps to emphasize the colour of your eyes.
Follow these steps to master the smoky eye look:
STEP 1: Prep your eyes
Using primer helps your eye makeup stay on for an extended period of time without creasing.
MAC Prep + Prime is one that I like to use.
With a brush or your finger, apply primer all over the lid and below the eyebrows.
Brush a neutral eye shadow (in the colour of your skin tone) to serve as a smooth base for your darker shadows.
STEP 2: Applying liner and shadow
Using a black eyeliner pencil, line the top of the lid and underneath the eye’s bottom lashes.
Go stronger with the liner around the outside corners of the eyes.
With an eye brush, apply dark eye shadow to the entire lid.
To glam up the eyes, highlight the inner corners of the eyes and the eyebrow bone, with a lighter shadow such as silver, or light bronze, if you are doing a brown smoky eye look.
Next, apply black liquid or gel eyeliner around the eyes to intensify the look and ensure that your makeup stays on longer throughout the night.
STEP 3: Final steps
For the most dramatic look, curl your top lashes (I recommend using Shu Uemura’s eyelash curler).
Apply 2-3 coats of black mascara, such as Lancome’s High Definicils High Definition mascara, to top and bottom lashes, focusing on the outside corner lashes to lift the eyes and allow them to appear larger.
Next, dip your brush in a neutral shadow to blend your darker shadow, which helps you avoid having a severe line between your dark and light shadows under the brows.
Blend as much as possible for a clean and flawless makeup look.
Finally, using a Q-tip, clean any areas below the eyes where shadow may have fallen, or makeup has smeared.
Apply concealer underneath the eyes, and use a fluffy brush to set it with translucent powder.
To complement this look, you can use a shimmer stick or powder in silver or gold—dab with your finger or brush on your cheekbones or where your eyeshadow ends.
For lips, a nude or light pink lipstick and gloss work best when you have a strong eye.
However, if you prefer a more dramatic effect, you can still pair this look with classic red lips or deep burgundy.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:
• Christian Dior 5 Color Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palette – No. 034 Gris Gris Makeup
• MAC Liquid Eye Liner- Boot Black